Wet/dry vac accessory securement sleeve

ABSTRACT

An attachment assembly for a wet/dry vacuum comprising first and second tubular structures with a third tubular structure spanning a junction between the first and second tubular structures. The third tubular structure may be resilient to conform to both the first and second tubular structures. In a first position, the third tubular structure may span the junction between the first and second tubular structures and, in a second position, the third tubular structure may be rolled back onto itself to engage only one of the first and second tubular structures. The third tubular structure may resist separation of the first tubular structure from the second tubular structure in the first position. The third tubular structure may also seal the junction between the first and second tubular structures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The inventions disclosed and taught herein relate generally to wet/dryvacuums, and more specifically, are related to securing attachments towet/dry vacuums.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wet/dry vacuums often come with many attachments and other accessories.At times, these attachments may fit loosely, fail to seal, and/orinadvertently fall off.

The inventions disclosed and taught herein are directed to an improvedmethod and system for securing attachments to Wet/Dry Vacuums.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention includes an attachment assembly for awet/dry vacuum comprising first and second tubular structures with athird tubular structure spanning a junction between the first and secondtubular structures. The third tubular structure may be resilient toconform to both the first and second tubular structures. In a firstposition, the third tubular structure may span the junction between thefirst and second tubular structures and, in a second position, the thirdtubular structure may be rolled back onto itself to engage only one ofthe first and second tubular structures. The third tubular structure mayresist separation of the first tubular structure from the second tubularstructure in the first position. The third tubular structure may alsoseal the junction between the first and second tubular structures.

In another embodiment, the invention includes an attachment assembly fora wet/dry vacuum, the attachment assembly comprising a first tubularstructure having a first inner perimeter, through which debris may bedrawn by the vacuum, and a first outer perimeter; a second tubularstructure having a second inner perimeter, sized to slide over the firstouter perimeter, and a second outer perimeter; and a third tubularstructure having a variable third inner perimeter, such that the thirdinner perimeter conforms to both the first outer perimeter and thesecond outer perimeter, spanning a junction between the first and secondtubular structures. The third tubular structure may be completely orpartially resilient. The first tubular structure and/or the secondtubular structure may include multiple outer perimeters. The thirdtubular structure may seal the junction between the first and secondtubular structures. Additionally, or alternatively, The third tubularstructure may resist separation of the first and second tubularstructures. The third tubular structure may be resilient such that, in afirst position, the third tubular structure spans the junction betweenthe first and second tubular structures and, in a second position, thethird tubular structure is rolled back onto itself to engage only one ofthe first and second tubular structures and. The third tubular structuremay resist separation of the first tubular structure from the secondtubular structure in the first position. The third tubular structuremight not resist separation of the first tubular structure from thesecond tubular structure in the second position.

In another embodiment, the invention includes an attachment assembly fora wet/dry vacuum, the attachment assembly comprising a first tubularstructure having a first inner perimeter, through which debris may bedrawn by the vacuum, and a first outer perimeter; a second tubularstructure having a second inner perimeter, adjacent to the first outerperimeter, and a second outer perimeter; and a resilient third tubularstructure having a variable third inner perimeter, such that in a firstposition, the third inner perimeter conforms to both the first outerperimeter and the second outer perimeter, sealing a junction between thefirst and second tubular structures and resisting separation of thefirst tubular structure from the second tubular structure, and in asecond position, the third tubular structure is rolled back onto itselfto engage only one of the first and second tubular structures and doesnot resist separation of the first tubular structure from the secondtubular structure.

In another embodiment, the invention includes mating a first tubularstructure with a second tubular structure, such as by sliding the firsttubular structure into the second tubular structure, and configuring athird tubular structure to cover the junction between the first andsecond tubular structures. The third tubular structure may be completelyor partially resilient. The first tubular structure and/or the secondtubular structure may include multiple outer perimeters. The thirdtubular structure may seal the junction between the first and secondtubular structures. Additionally, or alternatively, The third tubularstructure may resist separation of the first and second tubularstructures. The third tubular structure may be resilient such that, in afirst position, the third tubular structure spans the junction betweenthe first and second tubular structures and, in a second position, thethird tubular structure is rolled back onto itself to engage only one ofthe first and second tubular structures and. The third tubular structuremay resist separation of the first tubular structure from the secondtubular structure in the first position. The third tubular structuremight not resist separation of the first tubular structure from thesecond tubular structure in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of an attachment assemblyutilizing certain aspects of the present inventions;

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of a sleeve of the present inventionsin a first position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of a sleeve of the present inventionsin a second position; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the attachment assembly with select componentsseparated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures described above and the written description of specificstructures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope ofwhat Applicants have invented or the scope of the appended claims.Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach anyperson skilled in the art to make and use the inventions for whichpatent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat not all features of a commercial embodiment of the inventions aredescribed or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons ofskill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actualcommercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present inventionswill require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve thedeveloper's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. Suchimplementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are notlimited to, compliance with system-related, business-related,government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specificimplementation, location and from time to time. While a developer'sefforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, suchefforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skillin this art having benefit of this disclosure. It must be understoodthat the inventions disclosed and taught herein are susceptible tonumerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Lastly, theuse of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is notintended as limiting of the number of items. Also, the use of referenceand relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”,“third”, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,”“up,” “side,” and the like are used in the written description forclarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention or the appended claims.

Applicants have created a system and method for securing attachments toa wet/dry vacuum. In one embodiment, the invention includes anattachment assembly for a wet/dry vacuum comprising first and secondtubular structures with a third tubular structure spanning a junctionbetween the first and second tubular structures. The third tubularstructure may be resilient to conform to both the first and secondtubular structures. In a first position, the third tubular structure mayspan the junction between the first and second tubular structures and,in a second position, the third tubular structure may be rolled backonto itself to engage only one of the first and second tubularstructures. The third tubular structure may resist separation of thefirst tubular structure from the second tubular structure in the firstposition. The third tubular structure may also seal the junction betweenthe first and second tubular structures.

The present invention may be used in conjunction with a wet/dry vacuumappliance, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,396, which isincorporated herein by specific reference. The wet/dry vacuum preferablyincludes a hose and/or wand and one or more nozzle attachments that maybe interchangeably mated to the wand. For example, many wet/dry vacuumscome with a variety of nozzle attachments, each designed for a differentapplication.

In any case, referring to the figures, the present invention 10preferably aids in the secure attachment of the hose and/or wand 12 toone of the attachments 14. In one embodiment, the present invention 10includes a flexible or resilient sleeve 16 that may be rolled uponitself on either the wand 12 or the attachment 14 to allow theattachment 14 to be mated to, or separated from, the wand 12. Then, thesleeve 16 may be rolled down over a junction 18 between the wand 12 andthe attachment 14, thereby sealing the junction 18 and resistingseparation of the wand 12 and the attachment 14.

The hose and/or wand 12 presents a first tubular structure, throughwhich the wet/dry vacuum draws air and/or debris, having an inner andouter perimeter. In many wet/dry vacuums, the hose and/or wand 12 isoften cylindrical. However, the first tubular structure of the presentinvention may have a rectangular, triangular, oval, or othercross-section. The first tubular structure 12 of the wand is preferablyrigid. In the case of a flexible hose, the hose preferably presents atleast one rigid first tubular structure 12 with one or more otherportions of the hose 12 being flexible.

Similarly, the nozzle attachment 14 presents a second tubular structure,through which the wet/dry vacuum draws air and/or debris, having aninner and outer perimeter. In many wet/dry vacuums, the nozzleattachment 14 is often cylindrical, at least where it is designed tomate with the hose and/or wand 12. However, the second tubular structureof the present invention may have a rectangular, triangular, oval, orother cross-section. The second tubular structure 14 of the nozzleattachment is preferably rigid.

In one embodiment, the first tubular structure 12 may be slid into thesecond tubular structure 14, thereby mating the two tubular structures12,14. More specifically, the outer perimeter of the first tubularstructure 12 is preferably sized to just fit inside the inner perimeterof the second tubular structure 14. Alternatively, the inner perimeterof the first tubular structure 12 may be sized to just fit about theouter perimeter of the second tubular structure 14. In any case, firsttubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14 preferablyoverlap one another, thereby mating to one another. The junction 18between the first tubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure14 is preferably adjacent this overlap. This overlap may or may notprovide sufficient friction to resist separation of the first tubularstructure 12 and the second tubular structure 14. Furthermore, the firsttubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14 may or may notseal at the overlap and/or junction 18.

Therefore, the sleeve 16 preferably presents a third tubular structureto span the junction 18 between the first tubular structure 12 and thesecond tubular structure 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,the third tubular structure 16 is shown in a first position conformingto both the first tubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure14. In the first position, the third tubular structure 16 may provideresistance to separation of the first tubular structure 12 and thesecond tubular structure 14, as well as a seal between the first tubularstructure 12 and the second tubular structure 14.

The sleeve 16 is preferably constructed from a resilient material, suchas rubber, latex, neoprene, or other polymer. The resilient materialpreferably provides sufficient friction to resist separation of thefirst tubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14. Theresilient material may also provide or enhance the seal between thefirst tubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14. Thesleeve 16 may comprise multiple components and/or segments and may ormay not be completely flexible and/or resilient. For example, the sleeve16 may include a rigid outer perimeter to support the overlap and/orjunction 18 between the first tubular structure 12 and the secondtubular structure 14. In any case, the sleeve 16 preferably provides atleast a variable inner and/or outer perimeter to conform to the firsttubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14, therebyassisting in securing and/or sealing one to the other.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the sleeve 16 may berolled back onto itself, exposing the junction 18 between the firsttubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14. In this secondposition, the sleeve 16 may reside on or engage only one of the wand 12or the nozzle 14, as desired. In this second position, the first tubularstructure 12 and the second tubular structure 14 may be separated,without resistance from the third tubular structure 16, such as tochange nozzle attachments 14.

It can be seen that the sleeve 16 of the present invention helps retainthe nozzle 14 on the wand 12 by resisting any sliding between the firsttubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure 14. The thirdtubular structure 16 of the present invention does not interfere withthe suction created by the wet/dry vacuum, and may in fact aid thefunction of the wet/dry vacuum by providing or enhancing the sealbetween the first tubular structure 12 and the second tubular structure14.

Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of theinventions described above can be devised without departing from thespirit of Applicant's invention. For example, while the first and secondtubular structures 12,14 have been described as having an innerperimeter and an outer perimeter, either or both may have multiple innerperimeters and/or multiple outer perimeters. More specifically, as shownin FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the second tubular structure 14 has a rim 20 nearthe junction 18. The rim 20 provides another outer perimeter on thesecond tubular structure of the nozzle 14, which may strengthen thenozzle 14 and/or the junction 18. In this case, it can be seen, in FIG.1 and FIG. 2, that the sleeve 16 conforms to all three outer perimetersof the first and second tubular structures 12,14. Additionally, in someembodiments, the first and/or second tubular structures 12,14 may beflexible and/or resilient. Further, the various methods and embodimentsof the present invention can be included in combination with each otherto produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments.Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements andvice-versa.

The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwisespecifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combinedwith other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split intomultiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally andcan be embodied as separate components or can be combined intocomponents having multiple functions.

The inventions have been described in the context of preferred and otherembodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has beendescribed. Obvious modifications and alterations to the describedembodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thedisclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit orrestrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived of by theApplicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicantsintend to fully protect all such modifications and improvements thatcome within the scope or range of equivalent of the following claims.

1. An attachment assembly for a wet/dry vacuum, the attachment assemblycomprising: a first tubular structure having a first inner perimeter anda first outer perimeter; a second tubular structure adjacent to thefirst tubular structure and having a second inner perimeter and a secondouter perimeter; and a third tubular structure having a third innerperimeter and a third outer perimeter, wherein the first tubularstructure mates within the second tubular structure and the thirdtubular structure spans a junction between the first and second tubularstructures resiliently conforming to both the first and second tubularstructures.
 2. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe third tubular structure is resilient such that at least the thirdinner perimeter is variable.
 3. The attachment assembly as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the first tubular structure includes multiple outerperimeters.
 4. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe second tubular structure includes multiple outer perimeters.
 5. Theattachment assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first outerperimeter is smaller than the second outer perimeter and the third innerperimeter is resilient such that the third inner perimeter conforms toboth the first outer perimeter and the second outer perimeter.
 6. Theattachment assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the third tubularstructure seals the junction between the first and second tubularstructures.
 7. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe third tubular structure resists separation of the first and secondtubular structures.
 8. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 1,wherein the third tubular structure is resilient such that the thirdtubular structure is operable to be rolled back onto itself to engageonly one of the first and second tubular structures.
 9. The attachmentassembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the third tubular structure isresilient such that, in a first position, the third tubular structurespans the junction between the first and second tubular structures and,in a second position, the third tubular structure is rolled back ontoitself to engage only one of the first and second tubular structures.10. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein the thirdtubular structure resist separation of the first tubular structure fromthe second tubular structure in the first position and wherein the thirdtubular structure does resist separation of the first tubular structurefrom the second tubular structure in the second position.
 11. Anattachment assembly for a wet/dry vacuum, the attachment assemblycomprising: a first tubular structure having a first inner perimeter,through which debris may be drawn by the vacuum, and a first outerperimeter; a second tubular structure having a second inner perimeter,sized to slide over the first outer perimeter, and a second outerperimeter; and a third tubular structure having a variable third innerperimeter, such that the third inner perimeter conforms to both thefirst outer perimeter and the second outer perimeter, spanning ajunction between the first and second tubular structures.
 12. Theattachment assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein the third tubularstructure is resilient.
 13. The attachment assembly as set forth inclaim 11, wherein the first tubular structure includes multiple outerperimeters.
 14. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 11,wherein the second tubular structure includes multiple inner perimeters.15. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein the thirdtubular structure seals the junction between the first and secondtubular structures.
 16. The attachment assembly as set forth in claim11, wherein the third tubular structure resists separation of the firstand second tubular structures.
 17. The attachment assembly as set forthin claim 11, wherein the third tubular structure is resilient such thatthe third tubular structure is operable to be rolled back onto itself toengage only one of the first and second tubular structures.
 18. Theattachment assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein the third tubularstructure is resilient such that, in a first position, the third tubularstructure spans the junction between the first and second tubularstructures and, in a second position, the third tubular structure isrolled back onto itself to engage only one of the first and secondtubular structures and.
 19. The attachment assembly as set forth inclaim 18, wherein the third tubular structure resists separation of thefirst tubular structure from the second tubular structure in the firstposition and wherein the third tubular structure does not resistseparation of the first tubular structure from the second tubularstructure in the second position.
 20. An attachment assembly for awet/dry vacuum, the attachment assembly comprising: a first tubularstructure having a first inner perimeter, through which debris may bedrawn by the vacuum, and a first outer perimeter; a second tubularstructure having a second inner perimeter, adjacent to the first outerperimeter, and a second outer perimeter; and a resilient means forselectively securing the first tubular structure to the second tubularstructure, such that in a first position, the resilient means conformsto both the first outer perimeter and the second outer perimeter,sealing a junction between the first and second tubular structures andresisting separation of the first tubular structure from the secondtubular structure, and in a second position, the resilient means isrolled back onto itself to engage only one of the first and secondtubular structures and does not resist separation of the first tubularstructure from the second tubular structure.